Spectators of this year’s Cobra IronMan 70.3 Philippines can expect a familiar face on the water, on the road and most likely on the winners podium when Cebu again hosts the three-discipline event this Sunday in Lapu-Lapu City.
Australian Pete Jacobs has been in the country since 2009, and the three-time Men’s Pro Elite defending champion is the heavy favorite to to rule the premier class.
Jacobs is also the reigning Hawaii IronMan World Champion 2012.
Since his first win here in 2009, Jacobs has always maintained that the Philippine 70.3 is one of his favorite tuneup races for the World Championships.
“Yes, I think racing in the heat in the Philippines gives me a good memory of the heat to use in my training for Hawaii,” Jacobs said.
And just how special is the Cebu race to him?
“It is a unique race on my calendar, and a great trip I look forward to with my wife Jaimie (who races age group) every year. The cultural experiences, hospitality, and amazing natural scenery to explore makes it my favorite race.”
The three-time IronMan 70.3 Philippines champion said that his preparation for the Aug. 4 race has been pretty good and he believes he is in better shape now than he was at this time last year.
For this year, the professional triathlete from Down Under said he will try to be stronger in the bike and a little more relaxed against the heat on the run segment.
Last year, he had gone out of the water first but lost the lead to Cameron Brown in the bike ride. He eventually overtook Brown in the run segment and clinched the title ahead of Brown by a mere 1 minute and 22 seconds.
“I hope to have a strong bike and possibly have a lead onto the run. But it does all boil down to the run. The heat can make a good runner crumble. The run will decide the winner.”
TOUGH CHALLENGER
This year, Jacobs is expected to be tested by double World Champion Chris “Macca” McCormack, who is also from Australia.
“Chris is a great competitor, and I’m looking forward to comparing my abilities against his and then working on any weaknesses that show up before Hawaii.”
Familiarity of the race route is another edge Jacobs hopes to exploit against McCormack who vied in last June’s Century Tuna 5150 Triathlon 2013 in Subic but did not finish.
Jacobs will also be watching other notable racers such as Canada’s Brent MacMahon and Brown of New Zealand.
Meanwhile, Jacobs advised his followers and upcoming professional triathletes to “prepare, plan, and relax. Stick to your race plan and make the right decisions.”
After the race, Jacobs and his wife Jaimie will remain until Wednesday to enjoy the sights and sounds of the Philippines